YouTube currently lets folks choose between 360p, 480p, and 720p resolutions, distinguishing the latter two with the letters "HQ" and "HD," respectively, in the player interface. Google doesn't say how it will present the new resolution, but it does note that material already uploaded in 1080p format will become available at full resolution soon. Nobody should need to re-upload any hefty video files, hopefully.

Google also provides a screenshot of 1080p YouTube in comparison with the other modes, although the choice of subject (a dog's nose) seems a little odd to demonstrate video quality.

The new resolution should bring the service up to snuff with Apple's popular movie trailers site, which has offered trailers and clips in 1080p QuickTime format for some time. Folks with those newfangled DSLR cameras like the Canon EOS 7D that can shoot 1080p at 30 frames a second will likely appreciate the feature, as well.